Neeraj Chopra Classic: A vision for Indian athletics

For the sport to grow in India, an entire ecosystem has to be created and this is the first step towards that

- Avishek Roy

NEW DELHI: When Neeraj Chopra speaks about his Olympic medals, and giving back to the sport through Neeraj Chopra Classic, the big-ticket international event coming to India in Bengaluru next month, he speaks with a similar level of excitement and that is when you know how much the new project means to him. It is presumably as close to his heart as his two Olympic medals or the world title that made him a global athletics star.

Neeraj's path-breaking moments have put Indian athletics on the world map but he knows that for the sport to grow, an entire ecosystem has to be created and sustained. Bringing top-tier athletics events in India is the first step in that direction.

On May 24, he will be pumped up to compete in front of Indian fans at the Kanteerava Stadium and a full house to watch him and other international stars in action will be expected. There would be no shortage of stardust.

Two-time world champion Anderson Peters, American Curtis Thompson, the season leader (87.76m), 2016 Olympic champion Thomas Rohler of Germany, Rio Olympic silver medallist and 2015 world champion Julius Yego of Kenya, have all confirmed their participation. More big names are expected to be added in a few days. There will be more Indian names as well — four to five — who will get an opportunity to compete alongside global stars.

Undoubtedly, the biggest name in the elite field will be Neeraj Chopra himself. "Yes, count me in as well," Neeraj said with a wide smile, having rattled off names of the participants with great pride.